The secret to asking a favor no one can say no to

Everyone's busy and time is money. We need each other but we're all swamped. How do you get your request moved to the top of the stack? How do you get the door opened? How do you get your name at the top of the list?
Today I got THE BEST ask for a visit that I've ever received. Not only could I not say no, I couldn't wait to meet this amazing person. I immediately asked if I could share her flawless prose on my blog and she graciously agreed:

Dear Rachel,

I am inspired and excited by the work you have chosen to do, from Girlstart to Mothers’ Milk, motherhood to consulting. Your career, which you have described as a “calling”, is a great example of passion breeding profession.

I am writing to ask if you will grant me 30 minutes of your time for an informal interview on the subject of Calling. I am an aspiring entrepreneur and an incoming MBA candidate at the Acton School of Business. We have been given the daunting but important challenge of spending 30 Minutes with an Entrepreneurial Hero. I’d like to spend those 30 minutes with you.

There is no hidden agenda, I’m not job-seeking—I’m just hoping you’ll share some of the lessons you’ve learned about leveraging passion into career, balancing career with motherhood, and living a life of meaning.

If you say “yes” I promise to make good use of your time. I will ask you only the questions that I’ve been unable to answer from reading your press and blog. I will send you questions in advance and will end on time. As a thank you, I’d like to donate ten hours of my time to your favorite Austin charity.

I am moving to Austin this Friday, August 6th. I’d be pleased to meet at your convenience as early as this weekend, and would love for my first memories of Austin, Texas to include a meeting with you. Please let me know how I can make this happen.

Sincerely,

Ariel Julia Nazryan, Acton School of Business Class of 2011

Here's what Ariel does right:

1) She took the time to know her subject and (just as importantly) let them know she knows them.

2) She asks for a very specific and reasonable amount of time.

3) Just as important as telling me what the meeting IS; she tells me what it ISN'T.

4) She commits to using the time wisely by sending me questions ahead of time.

5) Best part? She generously gives me the gift of HER TIME, ten hours of it, for MY favorite charity! What a win-win! I can feel great about someone this brilliant helping out some of the causes I hold dear.

Want to open the door to your next opportunity? I would bet money if you followed Ariel's method you'll get the meeting. What are you waiting for? Go forth and ask!